Socceroos need five goals against Taiwan

Australia will need to score at least five goals in their final match against Taiwan to secure a spot in next year's East Asian Cup.

North Korea beat Hong Kong 4-0 in the earlier match on Sunday leaving them with a superior goal difference of +14 ahead of Australia on the table.

The top-placed team will join Japan, China and hosts South Korea in the showpiece event next July.

The North Koreans had previously beaten Taiwan 6-1, Guam 5-0 and drew 1-1 with Australia.

The Socceroos had to go on the goal chase to keep their hopes of qualifying alive and responded with a 9-0 thumping of Guam on Friday after they unconvincingly beat Hong Kong 1-0 in their opening match.

Australia kick-off their clash with the world No.176 Taiwan side at 8pm (AEDT) at Hong Kong Stadium.

Striker Archie Thompson is on course to become the Socceroos' all-time highest goal-scorer after his hat-trick against Guam left him one goal away from Damian Mori's record of 29.